32HL21 Cytiva Whatman Grade 2 Filter Paper, 125 mm: Complete Buyer's Guide for Worldwide Laboratories
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The 32HL21 Cytiva Whatman Grade 2 filter paper, 125 mm, is a medium-retention cellulose filter disc designed for routine laboratory filtration and semi-quantitative analysis. It retains particles down to approximately 8 µm, fits standard 125 mm funnels and Buchner setups, and is supplied by 3G Electric to laboratories worldwide with full export documentation.
What is a Whatman Grade 2 filter paper?
A Whatman Grade 2 filter paper is a medium-grade cellulose filter with a nominal particle retention of about 8 µm, offering a balance between flow rate and retention capacity. It is more retentive than Grade 1 but faster than Grade 3, making it a general-purpose choice for routine filtration.
Cytiva Whatman is the OEM brand behind the Grade 2 family, and the 32HL21 part number denotes the 125 mm diameter format. Grade 2 papers are widely used in food and beverage testing, environmental sample preparation, and gravimetric work where moderate retention is sufficient.
How does Grade 2 filter paper work?
Grade 2 cellulose filter paper works by depth filtration: particles are trapped within the fibrous matrix as liquid passes through under gravity or vacuum. The 8 µm nominal retention rating reflects the smallest particles retained in typical conditions, not a hard cutoff.
Because the paper is binder-free cellulose, it is compatible with aqueous and many organic solvents, and it can be ashed for gravimetric analysis if required. Flow rate is faster than finer grades, which suits high-throughput routine work.
Spec table: 32HL21 Cytiva Whatman Grade 2 filter paper, 125 mm
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Part number | 32HL21 |
| Brand | Cytiva Whatman |
| Grade | Grade 2 (medium retention) |
| Diameter | 125 mm |
| Nominal particle retention | 8 µm |
| Material | Binder-free cellulose |
| Typical use | Routine and semi-quantitative filtration |
Note: values above reflect the standard Grade 2 specification. Confirm lot-specific data with 3G Electric before critical gravimetric work.
Types and applications in Worldwide laboratories
Grade 2 filter paper is used across food and beverage QC, environmental water testing, pharmaceutical sample prep, and industrial process monitoring. In Worldwide markets, labs often pair it with glass microfiber filters for higher-loading or finer-retention steps.
For gravimetric analysis and air monitoring where minimal extractables matter, binder-free glass microfiber alternatives such as Cytiva Whatman 934-AH Glass Microfiber Filter, 9 cm and Cytiva Whatman 934-AH Glass Microfiber Filter, 11 cm are common upgrades. Smaller formats like Cytiva Whatman 934-AH Glass Microfiber Filter, 3.2 cm suit syringe and small-volume filtration.
Selection criteria: how to choose the right filter
- Diameter: match the filter to your funnel or holder — 125 mm for standard funnels, smaller for syringe or inline use.
- Grade and retention: Grade 2 (~8 µm) for routine work; finer grades for trace analysis; glass microfiber for high loading.
- Material: cellulose for general aqueous work; binder-free glass microfiber for gravimetric and high-temperature steps.
- Ash level: choose low-ash or ashless grades if the filter is ashed after filtration.
- Flow rate vs. retention: faster papers suit high-throughput; slower papers improve capture of fine particles.
- Compatibility: confirm solvent and temperature compatibility for your protocol.
Product comparison ladder
| Product | Grade / Type | Diameter | Pore / Retention | Thickness | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cytiva Whatman 934-AH Glass Microfiber Filter, 3.2 cm | 934-AH glass microfiber | 3.2 cm | 1.5 µm | 0.42 mm | Small-volume, high-retention filtration |
| Cytiva Whatman Grade A Glass Fiber Filter, 3.7 cm | Grade A glass fiber | 3.7 cm | 1.6 µm | 0.26 mm | Fine particle retention, sample prep |
| Cytiva Whatman 934-AH Glass Microfiber Filter, 5.5 cm | 934-AH glass microfiber | 5.5 cm | 1.5 µm | 0.44 mm | Water quality and gravimetric work |
| Cytiva Whatman 934-AH Glass Microfiber Filter, 7 cm | 934-AH glass microfiber | 7 cm | 1.5 µm | 0.44 mm | General filtration, high loading |
| Cytiva Whatman Grade A Glass Fiber Filter, 12.5 cm | Grade A glass fiber | 12.5 cm | 1.6 µm | 0.26 mm | Large-volume gravimetric analysis |
Step up the ladder when your protocol demands finer retention (1.5–1.6 µm vs. 8 µm), higher loading capacity, or ashless performance. For routine 125 mm cellulose filtration, the 32HL21 remains the practical default; for gravimetric or air-monitoring work, move to the 934-AH or Grade A glass fiber options above.
Why source from 3G Electric
3G Electric stocks 18+ filtration products across the Cytiva Whatman range and supplies laboratories worldwide with export documentation, incoterms-neutral shipping, and technical support. With 35+ years of industrial supply experience, we help you match grade, diameter, and retention to your protocol — not just fill an order.
Our team supports cross-market requirements including 50 Hz and 60 Hz equipment contexts, USD pricing, and consolidated shipments for multi-line lab orders. We are a distributor and supplier, not an authorized dealer, and we are accountable for getting you the right answer.
Key takeaways
- The 32HL21 is a 125 mm Grade 2 cellulose filter with ~8 µm nominal retention for routine filtration.
- Match diameter, grade, and ash level to your protocol before ordering.
- For finer retention or gravimetric work, step up to 934-AH or Grade A glass fiber filters.
- 3G Electric supplies worldwide with export documentation and technical support.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 32HL21 Cytiva Whatman Grade 2 filter paper, 125 mm, used for?
It is used for routine and semi-quantitative laboratory filtration, including food and beverage QC, environmental sample prep, and general gravimetric work where ~8 µm retention is sufficient. Its 125 mm diameter fits standard funnels and Buchner setups.
How do I choose between Grade 2 cellulose and 934-AH glass microfiber?
Choose Grade 2 cellulose for routine aqueous filtration and cost-effective throughput. Choose 934-AH glass microfiber (1.5 µm) when you need finer retention, higher loading capacity, or minimal extractables for gravimetric and air-monitoring work.
Where can I buy the 32HL21 filter paper in Worldwide?
3G Electric supplies the 32HL21 and related Cytiva Whatman filters worldwide with export documentation and USD pricing. Contact us for a quote, lead time, and shipping options to your region.
What is the lead time for Worldwide delivery?
Lead time depends on stock and destination. 3G Electric confirms availability at quote stage and supports consolidated shipments for multi-line orders. Contact us with your destination and quantity for a firm lead time.
Can I use Grade 2 filter paper for gravimetric analysis?
Grade 2 cellulose can be used for gravimetric work if the protocol permits, but ashless or glass microfiber grades are preferred where minimal extractables and finer retention are critical. Confirm ash requirements with 3G Electric before ordering.
Contact 3G Electric
For quotes, sizing assistance, and technical support on the 32HL21 Cytiva Whatman Grade 2 filter paper, 125 mm, or any filtration product, contact 3G Electric. We supply laboratories worldwide with the right filter for the job.


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